SPRINGFIELD — The line of customers ordering lunch at Milano Importing on Main Street wound its way deep into the Italian deli —and long into the afternoon Tuesday.
The word was out. The family-run business is closing Friday and no one wanted to miss their last chance at a cold cut grinder, chicken cutlet sandwich or the rest of the Italian food the iconic business is famous for serving the downtown crowd.
“It’s a bittersweet day. I didn’t expect such a large response. The news lit everybody on fire and they started calling,” co-owner Nick Recchia told The Republican.
There were handshakes, blown kisses and sad goodbyes as customers cashed out, took their orders back to work, went home or sat at the counter, reminiscing on the 58-year history of the business.
“They’re a little put off because we’re leaving and we’re not going to be here for them, but the response is beautiful. I appreciate everything they’ve done for us for so many years,” said Recchia, who owns the business with his brother, Anthony.
Milano Importing on Main Street in Springfield is closing on Friday. (Staasi Heropoulous / Special to The Republican)Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican
The 62-year-old businessman said he is sorry he could not give his clientele more than a few days’ notice he is closing. He accepted an offer to sell the building and the agreement banned him from talking about it until now.
Recchia said this is an opportune time for him to sell because he is healthy. He didn’t want to risk getting sick and having to unload everything under duress.
“I want to take some time to spend with my family and my grandkids,” he said. “I do worry that maybe, somebody could get sick, and this is the type of business that you can’t be out. I can’t be out of here for more than two weeks and have it run without complications.”
Recchia said he must turn the building over to its new owners in three weeks. He needs two weeks to move everything out, leaving him only a few days to remain open for his customers.
“I work in the city, so this is a twice-a-week stop for me,” said Jay Sullivan. “I like the people. The food and conversation is always good. It’s a great family place. I’m not happy, but the family deserves a break.”
Recchia said his father opened the business in 1968. The soon-to-be retiree has been working at what began as a grocery store since he was 4 years old. Other than a few years in construction, he has been side by side with his parents, wife and brother for nearly six decades.
In fact, he may well have stayed in construction, but returned to Milano’s after his father had a heart attack and needed his help.
“It’s become very hard to run with only me and my wife and my brother. My kids have all come through. They’ve all done really well. But they’ve decided that it wasn’t the future for them,” he said.
Amanda Van Tassel has been slicing fresh meat for sandwiches, weighing meatballs and sausages and serving customers for 20 years at Milano’s Importing in Springfield. (Staasi Heropoulous / Special to The Republican)Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican
Amanda Van Tassel has been slicing fresh meat for sandwiches, weighing meatballs and sausages and serving customers for 20 years at Milano’s. The reality of shutting the doors for good still has not sunk in for her.
“It is definitely mixed feelings. There’s a whole lot of emotions brewing around. Sadness. Excitement for what’s next. It’s very hard to walk away. I wake up every day excited to see my customers and wait on them,” she said.
The wholesale side of Milano’s, which serves restaurants and retail shops, is also closing, said Recchia.
After so many years, the business is not only baked into the culture of the Italian South End, but also the city’s persona. It has become an iconic fixture.
“It makes you feel very close to their culture, which is nice, especially in a city like Springfield, where you can find all different cultures,” said Itzelh Denette, who enjoys the Italian meats and salads.
Van Tassel said she is half Italian, and appreciates the tradition Milano’s represents.
“I’m very proud of the Italian traditions that were passed down, and it’s sad to see some of them go away with the older generations and stores that are closing,” she said.
By Friday, Milano Importing will be one of them — but the story is not over, said Van Tassel. Just one chapter of their lives.
Dining and Cooking